Local Non-Profit Fights Overdose Stigma and Calls for Awareness
Transformation Support Network, a local non-profit organization, will host a 5k Fun Walk / Run and an Overdose Awareness Vigil to raise awareness of overdose and to reduce the stigma associated with a drug-related death.
Volunteers from the Transformation Support Network delivering Essential Care Packages.
Transformation Support Network, founded by behavioral healthcare professional Tammy Steward-Nelson in August of 2020, is commemorating its one-year anniversary with two upcoming events centered around its mission: to support individuals in recovery to transform their lives to achieve a life filled with healthy choices while maintaining sobriety through dignity enhancement, community involvement, fitness, wellness, and fun.
The organization serves adults in recovery of alcohol and substance abuse, and was created by Steward-Nelson who has experienced first-hand losing loved ones at the hand of addiction.
“As someone who has lost both parents to addiction, I am passionate about supporting people in their journey to long-term sobriety. For me, it is not just about helping a particular individual, but rather helping to rebuild and reconnect families. And by helping to rebuild families, we are in turn helping to rebuild the community. If TSN can help the parent of a child remain sober long-term, a life with great memories, experiences, and the utmost potential can be enjoyed,” said Steward-Nelson.
One initiative Steward-Nelson is particularly proud of is TSN’s Essential Care Package Program. She started the program prior to creating the non-profit, and after resigning from her job to be home with her daughter due to the COVID-19 school closures, continues the program with help from her community partners.
“The TSN Essential Care Package Program delivers basic hygiene items to individuals currently enrolled in substance abuse treatment centers or residing in sober living homes. We understand that not all people have family or financial support to meet their personal hygienic needs. We work with case managers, counselors, family members, and individuals directly to fill the need of individuals in need. In our 1st year with the help of my government stimulus, family, and community donations, we were able to deliver 113 care packages.”
This Saturday, August 28, TSN will host the first Stepping 4 Sobriety 5K Fun Walk / Run. The event will take place at 7550 East Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815 from 10 AM-1 PM. Although pre-registration for the event is closed, all individuals are welcome to attend and partake in the day’s events. Sponsor and vendor booths will be present providing useful community resources such as mental health services, alcohol and drug counseling services, and much more.
The Overdose Awareness Candlelight Vigil will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Scherer Park, 4600 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90805. Community members are encouraged to join TSN founder, Tammy, as she lights candles in memory of those who have died from an overdose, and to acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind. Participants will meet at the park at 7:30 PM, and walk with lit candles down Atlantic Boulevard to San Antonio Boulevard and back. The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending can head down to the park to support by registering on Eventbrite, honk in support as they pass by, or donate to the cause through their Facebook page.
In looking toward the future of the organization, Steward-Nelson said, “This year our goal is to obtain grant funding to service more individuals and grow our organization so we can provide more programs and events.”
For more information on the Transformation Support Network, visit https://www.transformationsupportnetwork.org/.
By
Alysia Burke